National Lampoon's Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj

Rating R Formats DVD Genre comedy Starring Kal Penn, Shobu Kapoor, Dan Percival, Holly Davidson, Anthony Cozens Directed by Mort Nathan Publisher MGM External Links Official The Rise of Taj Website

Bear with me, I'm having trouble typing at this moment. Earlier in the day, I was climbing up my basement steps with a boxful of old books in hand (spring cleaning). I must have miscalculated my step and fell forward. As soon as my head hit the wooden staircase, all went black. When I came to, I found myself on my living room couch. The wife told me I took a rather nasty fall and I should take it easy for the rest of the day. Out of commission, I felt that I could make the most of my immobility and enjoy what just may be the definitive comedy of this generation, Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj.

The sequel to the 2002 film that redefined, not only the college sex comedy genre but comedy in general, Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj is a spin-off film that follows the new adventures of one of cinema's most unique and hilarious character, Taj Mahal Badalandabad (Kal Penn), who leaves Coolidge College to seek a higher level of education. He finds such a thing at England's Cambridge University (an Oxford knock-off). Following his father's glorious collegiate footsteps, Taj joins the illustrious and prestigious Fox and Hounds fraternal guild. However, the guild's renowned leader, Pip Everett, the Earl of Grey informs Taj that the acceptance letter contained a typographical error and denies our hero of admission. Thus, he is reassigned as a teacher's assistant and residential advisor to "The Barn", a rundown dormitory that is home to a group of students who have dealt with the same type of rejection. Tired of being held down by the Fox and Hounds, Taj and his band of misfits come together and challenge the elitist to the Hastings Cup challenge. Its winner takes all!

On several occasions in life, one will come across a movie that deeply touches the soul; a movie so triumphant and strong, it makes you want to stand up and clap halfway through. I am proud to say that Van Wilder 2 is such a movie. Director Mort Nathan takes us by the hand and gently guides through a tour de force of laughter, drama and the human spirit. Through steady narrative, brilliant acting and awe-inspiring cinematography, each scene with crafted and implemented with utmost care and precision. The comedy is unique, socially and culturally conscious and well timed. Van Wilder 2 is Mort Nathan's baby and like any good parent, he has conditioned it to be the best it can be.

After being held back in roles in Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle and Superman Returns, Kal Penn lets it all loose. He is the thinking man's actor, with charm, grace and with not seen since the days of Clark Gable and Cary Grant. English actress Lauren Cohen is classy and sophisticated, as is Daniel Percival, who portrays the dastardly villain. This is what I call a made for DVD acting clinic for all aspiring performers. Watch and learn!

Nothing compliments a fine film better than a supple amount of extras. Included is a behind the scenes featurette enriched with insight and great on-the-set stories. "On Set In Romania" is a virtual tour of the historical "Barn". Kal Penn and Mort Nathan are our tour guides and the make us all feel a little more educated. We also get deleted scenes that provide excellent added enjoyment and the gag reel is the best gag reel yet. We also get two music videos by bands that are accustomed to viewers whose taste in music matches their fine taste in cinema/

Tastefully presented, cinematically polished and, of course, unbearably funny, Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj is a feast for the eyes, ears and the heart. Mort Nathan and company have truly created something special. This is not just great comedy; this is art in its most raw and purest form. Bravo! BRAVO!!!!

You know, I think the swelling is started to go down. In fact, I'm starting to feel like myself again. Let's see what we cooked up here. Now...uh...what the hell is this? Did I just write this?

Note to editor: I don't feel like going back and revising this. Just let our readers read it and tell them to think the opposite of what I wrote. Geesh. Touch my soul?